Need to know

Trek Remedy WSD 8

The Trek Remedy WSD 8 uses the exact same geometry as the unisex Remedy — so no messing around with a shape that works to make it ‘suitable’ for the female rider. Instead, the women-specific aspect of the design is in the contact points: the wider saddle and slimmer grips, both of which were instantly to my liking.

The cockpit is well organised too. There’s a nice profile to the 750mm handlebar, and combined with the 65mm stem, it gives an immediate sense of control that makes the bike feel capable and pacey.

Just like the unisex version, the Remedy WSD has adjustable geometry, via the asymmetric Mino Link pivot hardware that connects the upper link to the seatstays. This means you can tighten up the head angle by 0.5°, while raising the bottom bracket slightly.

But, just like the unisex bike, we preferred the extra stability and poise of the bike in the slacker position. Still, the adjustment means you have the option to get the handling dialled-in for an epic adventure where pedal clearance may be a priority.

Suspension-wise, the 2016 model has 140mm-travel front and rear, where the excellent RockShox Pike Solo Air fork proved a doddle to set up, with extra scope for fine-tuning the travel progression using volume reducers if needed.

Inside the Fox Float rear shock is Trek’s proprietary RE:aktiv damping. It has three settings — locked out, pedal platform and fully open — where the open setting offers really good support and tracking.

SRAM GX single-ring set-up brings simplicity and seamless shifting

My biggest concern when the Remedy arrived was that I might struggle on the steeper climbs with the single 32t chainring. But, with the 11-speed, 10-42t cassette out back my concerns proved unfounded. In fact, I loved the simplicity of the single-ring set-up, and after a couple of big rides I was converted.

Shifting with SRAM GX was seamless and I really liked the Cage Lock technology — where you can pull the mech forward and lock it in that position to make removing the rear wheel considerably easier when you puncture — which I did, even with the Bontrager tyres set-up tubeless.

I still think the combination of the XR4 on the front (giving good cornering grip) and the faster rolling XR3 on the back makes complete sense though. In fact, it’s hard to find fault with any of the parts adorning the Remedy 8 WSD.